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Alina Mao

an Interdisciplinary product designer.

๐Ÿงฉ Interdisciplinary Thinking

๐Ÿ“š Continuous Learning

๐ŸŽจ User-Centered Design

๐Ÿ’ช Adaptive Resilience

๐ŸŒˆ Exploratory Spirit

: )

โšซ What I Do

Web Design

โšช What I Use

SaaS & B2B

AI

๐Ÿ–ค What I Follow

Notion

Figma

ChatGPT

Supabase

Product Design

Minimalism

Human-Centered Mindset

๐Ÿงก What I Love

Technology

๐Ÿค Collab with me

๐Ÿ”™ Options for you

I am a detail-oriented person living with all kinds of plans and checklists.


Like conquering steep slopes on a snowboard, I've learned to embrace the thrill of challenges. It's this mindset that drives me to push boundaries.


โ€” Keep Hustle, Humble, and Open.

Snowboard

Doggy! โ™ก

About Me

Bridging Analytics and Aesthetics.

๐ŸŒŸ A Journey of Curiosity and Courage

๐Ÿงฎ Mathematical Foundations


- Discovered passion for problem-solving through calculus

- Won Canadian Calculus Competition


Key Insight: Mathematics as a language of understanding complex systems


High School

Undergraduate Years: Navigating Interdisciplinary Paths

๐ŸŽ“ Started with Mathematics and Quantitative Economics


- Explored data science as a bridge between mathematical theory and real-world applications

- Participated in machine learning research at UC Irvine


Turning Point: Discovered Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) as a multidisciplinary field combining technology, psychology, and design

๐Ÿ‚ Overcoming Fears:

Snowboarding Journey


- Achieved AASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor certification

Professional Transition: From Data to Design

๐Ÿš€ Internships as UX Researcher/Designer


- Applied data analysis skills to understand user behaviors and design insights

- Developed skills in creating data-driven design solutions


Transformation: Recognized the power of design in bridging user needs and business objectives

๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Joined Pickle as Product Designer, creating CRM platform


- Led design solutions for B2B SaaS products

Product Design Journey

๐Ÿ–ฅ๏ธ Internships at HuupAI and Aesop Labs


- Designed AI chatbot and gaming platforms

๐Ÿค– AI and Future Technologies


Current Focus: Exploring the intersection of AI, communication, and user experience

Academic Pursuit

๐Ÿ’œ Currently pursuing Master's in Digital Media at University of Washington


Specializing in UX Design, AI, and Future Communication Strategies.

Vision: Continuously learn and contribute to the evolving landscape of technology and design

๐ŸŒ First Steps into Global Awareness

- Volunteered in Thailand

- Became a certified advanced scuba diver

"โ€œA coward who boldly faces her weaknessesโ€

Current Goal: Pursue Level 2 Snowboard Instructor certification

๐Ÿ  Ocean Conservation


Continued scuba diving in California and Hawaii

Participated in ocean protection programs


Mission: Protecting marine ecosystems through direct action

Ballet

Ski :D

Professional Growth: Learned to balance technical precision with creative problem-solving